by admin | Mar 2, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
As a historical fiction buff, I love most eras of history and have favorite authors for each. Sarah Sundin is at the top of my list for novels with World War 2 settings because she truly makes history come alive through the eyes and experiences of her characters. Not only does she write about the major historical events that took place but she gives her readers an intimate look at behind the scenes operations that helped to make it happen according to plan. Through her characters we can experience the emotions that arise from living in such perilous times.
In “The Sea Before Us” Dorothy Fairfax is one of the women of England’s Royal Naval Service whose work with photos helps create the crucial maps needed for the upcoming D-Day battle. Wyatt Paxton is a U.S. Naval Officer who works closely with the WRENS to prepare the reports based on the maps created by Dorothy and her team. I found these details added greater depth to my understanding of how the war was fought. I never thought about the amount of planning and yes even practice runs needed to prepare for such an offensive.
Of course there was also a personal side to the story that included quite sad backgrounds for both Wyatt and Dorothy and how what they had experienced affected their faith. I won’t give away too much but let me say that several times I wanted to sit Miss Dorothy down and convince her that she needed to open her eyes to see the truth about a certain man. It was touch and go there for awhile but she finally saw the light in more ways than one.
This was a wonderful book with plenty of action and danger, a bit of a mystery, and some surprises along the way. As the first book in a new series, it did end with some unresolved issues but I am looking forward to learning more in the next installment. Anyone who enjoys World War 2 fiction should enjoy “The Sea Before Us” as well as any of Sundin’s previous novels.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nothing but love could heal the wounds of war
In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a “Wren” in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, who pieces together reconnaissance photographs with holiday snapshots of France–including those of her family’s summer home–in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt turns into naval bombardment plans for D-day.
As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn into something more. But both of them have too much to lose to give in to love . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of Through Waters Deep, Anchor in the Storm, and When Tides Turn in the Waves of Freedom series, as well as Wings of the Nightingale and the Wings of Glory series. Her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal. Her popular Through Waters Deep was a Carol Award finalist and named to Booklist‘s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years.” A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. Sarah lives in California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.
by admin | Feb 1, 2018 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story of a young Quaker man and a young woman disguised as a male who get to know each other as they serve in the same Union regiment during the Civil War. It was with great interest that I watched their relationship develop naturally although Josie had to work hard to hide her growing affection for Levi. After all, he didn’t know private Gordon Snipp was actually a girl.
With a well researched historic background and facts as well as a wonderful thread of faith, “Their Daring Hearts” managed to hold my attention fairly well during a difficult week of my life when at times I felt mostly brain dead. The story is filled with action, drama, a touch of mystery surrounding an unknown spy in the camp, and of course some romance that mostly appears near the end of the story. I hope to find the time to go back and read this book again when I can give it the total attention it deserves.
For those who enjoy Civil War fiction, “Their Daring Hearts” should be the perfect book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click here to purchase
Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War. Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with her chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of desperation.
Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be barely old enough to hold “his” gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship.
But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain—or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.com, www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.
BLOG STOPS:
History, Mystery & Faith, January 25
Genesis 5020, January 25
Inspiration Clothesline, January 25
ASC Book Reviews, January 26
Multifarious, January 26
Christian Bookaholic, January 27
Remembrancy, January 27
Carpe Diem, January 28
Inklings and notions, January 28
Blossoms and Blessings, January 29
Reading Is My SuperPower, January 29
The Fizzy Pop Collection, January 30
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 30
Moments Dipped in Ink, January 31
Mary Hake, January 31
Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 31
Daysong Reflections, February 1
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 1
A Baker’s Perspective, February 1
Pause for Tales, February 2
Have A Wonderful Day, February 2
Connie’s History Classroom, February 3
Cafinated Reads, February 3
proud to be an autism mom, February 4
Bibliophile Reviews, February 4
Red Headed Book Lady, February 5
My Wrtier’s Life, February 5
Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Post from Mindy Houg)
Pursuing Stacie, February 6
A Greater Yes, February 6
Texas Book-aholic, February 6
Bigreadersite, February 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 7
Janices book reviews, February 7
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Whitaker House is giving away:
Grand Prize Package: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom Series #1) signed by the author, Sharlene MacLaren, Abba Jerusalem Hyssop 6” Pillar Candle.
1st Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1) by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.
2nd Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c602
by admin | Jan 30, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Ladies of Ivy Cottage”, Klassen’s second book in her Ivy Hill series continues where “The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill” ends. Readers will enjoy this heartwarming tale featuring Rachel Ashford who needs to find a way to support herself after her father’s death. Friends offer the perfect solution that when introduced is welcomed by most of the small town’s residents.
A wonderful story of friendship this tale contains enough drama, a touch of mystery, and several potential romances to satisfy most readers, particularly those who love Jane Austen style novels. It was fun to reconnect with favorite characters from the first book and to speculate about how more than one relationship might play out.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to finding out how all the loose ends are tied up in the final installment.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Return to Ivy Hill as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold . . .
A gentlewoman in reduced circumstances, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage. With her meager funds rapidly depleting, she is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. Her friend Jane Bell and the other village women encourage her to open a circulating library with the many books she’s inherited from her father. As villagers donate additional books and Rachel begins sorting through the volumes, she discovers mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but both find more than they bargained for.
Rachel’s hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and finds fulfillment in managing her girls school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what–or whom–has captured each man’s attention? The truth may surprise them all.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Jan 24, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion “A Song Unheard” is a masterpiece. As a lifelong lover of music from a family of music lovers, the entire book resonated with my heart and spirit. Although I have played piano from a young age, I was never a prodigy or virtuoso like Willa or Lukas yet I could so easily identify with their response to music.
I have certainly enjoyed getting to know Willa better in this second installment of White’s Shadows Over England series. Discovering her hopes and dreams as well as the pain and rejection of her childhood brought Willa to life for me and helped me understand her actions better. The importance of family to both Willa and Lukas was a priority even though their concept of family differed. It was inspiring to watch as Willa came to a saving faith and how the Lord used music to reach her.
“A Song Unheard” is a wonderful historical romance set in Great Britain during the years leading up to World War 1. With plenty of danger and war related espionage, the story held me enthralled through its entirety. Not only is the book a wonderful read, but it is filled with so many marvelous quotable lines that I wish I had marked them all for future reference.
I am so glad that I have been blessed to review Roseanna White’s most recent books and eagerly look forward to her next offering. If you have not read any of this author’s books, do yourself a favor and do so as soon as possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House and the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
by admin | Jan 21, 2018 | Books, England, Romantic Suspense, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion “A Song Unheard” is a masterpiece. As a lifelong lover of music from a family of music lovers, the entire book resonated with my heart and spirit. Although I have played piano from a young age, I was never a prodigy or virtuoso like Willa or Lukas yet I could so easily identify with their response to music.
I have certainly enjoyed getting to know Willa better in this second installment of White’s Shadows Over England series. Discovering her hopes and dreams as well as the pain and rejection of her childhood brought Willa to life for me and helped me understand her actions better. The importance of family to both Willa and Lukas was a priority even though their concept of family differed. It was inspiring to watch as Willa came to a saving faith and how the Lord used music to reach her.
“A Song Unheard” is a wonderful historical romance set in Great Britain during the years leading up to World War 1. With plenty of danger and war related espionage, the story held me enthralled through its entirety. Not only is the book a wonderful read, but it is filled with so many marvelous quotable lines that I wish I had marked them all for future reference.
I am so glad that I have been blessed to review Roseanna White’s most recent books and eagerly look forward to her next offering. If you have not read any of this author’s books, do yourself a favor and do so as soon as possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
GUEST POST FROM ROSEANNA M. WHITE:
I started playing the piano when I was 7. I didn’t discover any long-dormant genius or anything, but I liked it. When my sister quit, I kept playing. In middle school, I switched teachers, and moving from the lady at my church that I knew so well to someone who was just my piano teacher made a difference in how I applied myself. It deepened my love of music.
We all know how some random moments stand out forever in our memory. One such for me happened on the school bus. I was sitting with my best friend, talking about the new piano piece I was learning. “Via Delorosa” means Road of Sorrow, and it’s a song that tells musically about Jesus’ journey to Golgotha—ending with the faint chime of the nails being driven into his palms. As my beloved Mrs. Peto went through this song with me the night before, I remember her circling a D? that I’d missed and saying how important that note was. That it made the whole line weep.
That it would make the hearers weep. An epiphany so huge I had to share it with my friend. A well placed sharp could make music weep! Who knew?
That was but one lesson Mrs. Peto taught me in how music could evoke things words never could. A woman of strong faith, she also taught me how a song could preach the Gospel. Music can be medicine. It can be hope. It can be tears. It can be truth. Music can be Jesus to a hurting heart that turns its back on words.
This is a lesson I never forgot, and I had it always in mind as I was writing A Song Unheard. In this story, both my hero and heroine are musicians—violinists. But Willa (who is SO STUBBORN) wouldn’t listen to words of faith from any of the people in her life “suddenly spouting such nonsense.”
But then, in her darkest hour, she hears a slip of melody. And she realizes it’s the Lord.
I pray as readers move through the story of Willa Forsythe—violin prodigy and top-notch thief—that their spirits’ ears hear more than words, more than just a story. I pray they hear the Lord whispering that ultimate song. The one that says, “I love you.”
Want to hear the song Willa eventually wrote in the book? You can! The violin music in this trailer is officially dubbed “Willa’s Song” and written specifically for this book. I hope you enjoy it! http://bit.ly/ASongUnheardTrailer
BLOG STOPS:
Fiction Aficionado, January 11
History, Mystery & Faith, January 11
Genesis 5020, January 11
Bookworm Mama, January 11
A Simply Enchanted Life, January 11
Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 12
Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 12
Blogging With Carol, January 12
Multifarious, January 12
proud to be an autism mom, January 12
Faithfully Bookish, January 13
Christian Bookaholic, January 13
Karen Sue Hadley, January 13
Mary Hake, January 13
A Greater Yes, January 13
Remembrancy, January 14
Blossoms and Blessings, January 14
Just the Write Escape, January 14
Connie’s History Classroom, January 14
Texas Book-aholic, January 14
A Reader’s Brain, January 15
Rachel’s Back Talk, January 15
Smiling Book Reviews, January 15
Cordially Barbara, January 15
Pursuing Stacie, January 15
The Fizzy Pop Collection, January 16
Kat’s Corner Books, January 16
The Artist Librarian, January 16
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 16
Bigreadersite, January 16
Mommynificent, January 17
Seasons of Opportunities, January 17
Moments Dipped in Ink, January 17
Baker Kella, January 17
Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot, January 17
God’s Little Bookworm, January 18
allofakindmom, January 18
The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, January 18
Inklings and notions, January 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 18
Pause for Tales, January 19
Have A Wonderful Day, January 19
Just Commonly, January 19
Bibliophile Reviews , January 19
Janices book reviews, January 19
Radiant Light, January 20
The Power of Words , January 20
Book by Book, January 20
CAC Devourer, January 20
Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 20
Splashes of Joy, January 21
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 21
Neverending Stories, January 21
Faery Tales Are Real, January 21
A Baker’s Perspective, January 21
margaret kazmierczak, January 22
The PhD Mamma, January 22
Cafinated Reads, January 22
Daysong Reflections, January 22
Romances of the Cross, January 23
Purposeful Learning, January 23
Rachel Scott McDaniel, January 23
Carpe Diem, January 23
Simple Harvest Reads, January 23
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, January 24
Henry Happens, January 24
Joy of Reading, January 24
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 24
Raining Butterfly Kisses, January 24
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Roseanna is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a signed copy of the book as well as a lovely album of soothing songs based on the Scriptures called Hidden in My Heart (winner’s choice of CD or digital download)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c72a
by admin | Jan 14, 2018 | Books, Depression Era, Historical
MY REVIEW:
“A Song of Home” is the first book I’ve read by Susie Finkbeiner. It is the third book of the Pearl Spence novel series but it contained enough back story that I had no problems understanding what was going on. I plan to read the first two books as soon as I have a chance simply to get the entire story.
Young Pearl Spence is the primary character in this book. She has experienced more than her share of tragedy and heartbreak in her short life and has a tendency to escape through her books as often as she can. She soon discovers a new love – swing dancing and simply cannot get enough of it.
Pearl’s story paints a vivid image of life during the depression that includes flour sack dresses, community dances, and racial tensions. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this world through Pearl’s eyes as she learned to look beneath the surface to see the true person inside another and her compassion and generosity to those in need despite her own struggles. A sometimes poignant story that also brims with hope, “A Song of Home” is one that will resonate with many readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Novel of the Swing Era
Pearl Spence has finally settled into a routine in Bliss, Michigan, far from her home in Red River, Oklahoma. Like all the other kids, she goes to school each day, plays in the woods, and does her chores. But there’s one big difference: Mama is still gone, and doesn’t seem to have a thought for the family she’s left behind.
Escaping from her worries is another part of Pearl’s new routine, whether that’s running to Aunt Carrie’s farm, listening to the radio with Ray, or losing herself in a book. In fact, a chair in the stacks, surrounded by books, might be her favorite place on earth–until she discovers swing dancing. The music transports Pearl to a whole other world.
When Mama unexpectedly returns, it isn’t the happy occasion Pearl had imagined. Mama is distant and Pearl can’t figure out how to please her. And the horrible way she treats Daddy is more than Pearl can bear. Seems life would be better if Mama would just stay away.
Finkbeiner’s portrayal of both tragedy and everyday life in times of great change is charged with a raw beauty that will haunt readers. Fans of the two prior Pearl Spence novels won’t be disappointed!
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susie Finkbeiner is a stay-at-home mom, speaker, and author from West Michigan. Her previous books include Paint Chips (2013) and My Mother’s Chamomile (2014). She has served as fiction editor and regular contributor to the Burnside Writers Guild and Unbound magazine. Finkbeiner is an avid blogger (see www.susiefinkbeiner.com), is on the planning committee of the Breathe Christian Writers Conference, and has presented or led groups of other writers at several conferences.
JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for genre fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com.
